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Donalds towers over a sleepy Florida governor's race

Florida's race for governor has plenty of candidates but little competition.

Politics

Almost a month before the Aug. 18 primary, the race to be <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Florida&#x27;s next governor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/01/byron-donalds-florida-governor-fundraising" data-vars-content-id="a18d9567-a82b-4e5c-85de-95dc801a1035" data-vars-headline="Donalds towers over a sleepy Florida governor&#x27;s race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/01/byron-donalds-florida-governor-fundraising" target="_self">Florida&#x27;s next governor</a> is shaping up to be a dud.Why it matters: The contest to lead the nation&#x27;s third-most populous state is bloated with candidates who lack name recognition and front-runners whose <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sizable polling leads" data-vars-click-url="https://www.realclearpolling.com/polls/governor/republican-primary/2026/florida?utm_source=chatgpt.com" data-vars-content-id="a18d9567-a82b-4e5c-85de-95dc801a1035" data-vars-headline="Donalds towers over a sleepy Florida governor&#x27;s race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.realclearpolling.com/polls/governor/republican-primary/2026/florida?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">sizable polling leads</a> have sapped much of its drama.

St. Pete City Council elections: Who's running and what's at stake

Seven candidates are vying for two seats representing districts 2 and 6.

News

Along with a crowded <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mayor&#x27;s race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/23/st-petersburg-mayor-election-forum-takeaways" data-vars-content-id="1e8c77d3-cd80-49f0-9512-4f146fb4fa03" data-vars-headline="St. Pete City Council elections: Who&#x27;s running and what&#x27;s at stake" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/23/st-petersburg-mayor-election-forum-takeaways" target="_self">mayor&#x27;s race</a>, St. Petersburg voters will have the chance to send new representatives to City Council this election season. Why it matters: City Council members approve budgets and set policy on issues ranging from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="housing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cltampa.com/news/st-pete-city-council-moves-to-help-strengthen-tenant-rights-for-renters-in-affordable-housing-developments-18403989/" data-vars-content-id="1e8c77d3-cd80-49f0-9512-4f146fb4fa03" data-vars-headline="St. Pete City Council elections: Who&#x27;s running and what&#x27;s at stake" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cltampa.com/news/st-pete-city-council-moves-to-help-strengthen-tenant-rights-for-renters-in-affordable-housing-developments-18403989/" target="_blank">housing</a> to climate resiliency. Among the major issues that will carry over to the next slate of Council members: <ul><li>The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="future of Tropicana Field" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/07/01/st-pete-trop-redevelopment-gas-plant-ken-welch" data-vars-content-id="1e8c77d3-cd80-49f0-9512-4f146fb4fa03" data-vars-headline="St. Pete City Council elections: Who&#x27;s running and what&#x27;s at stake" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/07/01/st-pete-trop-redevelopment-gas-plant-ken-welch" target="_self">future of Tropicana Field</a>.</li><li>Whether to continue exploring a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="city-run alternative to Duke Energy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/02/st-pete-duke-energy-city-council-feasibility-study" data-vars-content-id="1e8c77d3-cd80-49f0-9512-4f146fb4fa03" data-vars-headline="St. Pete City Council elections: Who&#x27;s running and what&#x27;s at stake" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/02/st-pete-duke-energy-city-council-feasibility-study" target="_self">city-run alternative to Duke Energy</a>. </li><li>How to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="make up funding shortfalls" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/02/florida-puts-property-tax-overhaul-on-ballot-as-local-officials-sound-alarm" data-vars-content-id="1e8c77d3-cd80-49f0-9512-4f146fb4fa03" data-vars-headline="St. Pete City Council elections: Who&#x27;s running and what&#x27;s at stake" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/02/florida-puts-property-tax-overhaul-on-ballot-as-local-officials-sound-alarm" target="_self">make up funding shortfalls</a> should voters approve a constitutional amendment overhauling property taxes.</li></ul>

Florida's property tax amendment lacks champions

Don't expect Gov. Ron DeSantis to become its marquee messenger.

Opposition is mounting to the state&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sweeping property tax overhaul" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/02/florida-puts-property-tax-overhaul-on-ballot-as-local-officials-sound-alarm" data-vars-content-id="9b71826c-7e25-4cc2-b445-8cff8268f988" data-vars-headline="Florida&#x27;s property tax amendment lacks champions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/02/florida-puts-property-tax-overhaul-on-ballot-as-local-officials-sound-alarm" target="_self">sweeping property tax overhaul</a> — and its once-biggest champion is nowhere to be found.Why it matters: The constitutional amendment, if passed by 60% of voters, would leave some local governments <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="starved for revenue" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/hollywood/2026/06/25/property-tax-cut-could-cost-hollywood-services" data-vars-content-id="9b71826c-7e25-4cc2-b445-8cff8268f988" data-vars-headline="Florida&#x27;s property tax amendment lacks champions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/hollywood/2026/06/25/property-tax-cut-could-cost-hollywood-services" target="_self">starved for revenue</a> as they scramble to maintain services and offset billions of dollars in losses.

Florida citrus exhibit opens at St. Pete-Clearwater International

"Juicy: A Slice of Florida Life" features vintage citrus crate labels from local growers.

A taste of Florida history awaits locals and tourists in a new exhibit at St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport. State of play: &quot;Juicy: A Slice of Florida Life,&quot; presented by Creative Pinellas, features vintage citrus crate labels from local growers, a nod to Pinellas County living history museum Heritage Village&#x27;s 50th anniversary.

Florida hurricane forecast brings cautious hope for insurance market

But it won't reverse the last several years of skyrocketing premiums.

A below-average forecast for the Atlantic <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hurricane season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/05/21/atlantic-hurricane-season-forecast-2026-noaa-preparation-el-nino" data-vars-content-id="8697092d-21a7-469e-8671-14071b0a510f" data-vars-headline="Florida hurricane forecast brings cautious hope for insurance market" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/05/21/atlantic-hurricane-season-forecast-2026-noaa-preparation-el-nino" target="_self">hurricane season</a> that begins Monday was welcome news to more than just storm-weary Floridians.Why it matters: Hope for a quiet season, plus legislative reforms and no storm hits last year, have home insurance experts cautiously optimistic about the stability of the market, the News Service of Florida <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reported" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tampabay.com/news/real-estate/2026/05/28/property-insurance-industry-hurricane-rates-prices-citizens/" data-vars-content-id="8697092d-21a7-469e-8671-14071b0a510f" data-vars-headline="Florida hurricane forecast brings cautious hope for insurance market" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/real-estate/2026/05/28/property-insurance-industry-hurricane-rates-prices-citizens/" target="_blank">reported</a>.

Parking already plagues new Rays stadium, report says

This snag won't surprise anyone who has attended a game or concert in Tampa Bay.

Business

Negotiations for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new Rays stadium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/19/can-hillsboroughs-half-cent-tax-fund-a-new-rays-stadium-heres-what-we-know" data-vars-content-id="6d43969f-6218-42b6-afff-e7c109286066" data-vars-headline="Parking already plagues new Rays stadium, report says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/19/can-hillsboroughs-half-cent-tax-fund-a-new-rays-stadium-heres-what-we-know" target="_self">new Rays stadium</a> at Hillsborough College have hit a snag that won&#x27;t surprise anyone who has attended a game or concert in Tampa Bay: parking.Why it matters: The Tampa Sports Authority, which relies on the college&#x27;s lots for Buccaneers games, concerts and events, hasn&#x27;t received clarity from the Rays about how a new ballpark would disrupt that arrangement.

Delta's THC-infused seltzers offer a new way to vibe for any occasion

Delta Beverages is the no. 1 producer of THC-infused seltzers by volume in the U.S. — and Florida is Delta's largest market.

Partners

Delta&#x27;s THC-infused seltzers are delivering the vibe in Tampa without the alcohol and offering a zero-calorie way to raise a glass this season.Why it&#x27;s important: The U.S. drinking rate hit a new low this year, and more Americans than ever think moderate drinking is bad for their health.<ul><li>With a social season ahead, the party won&#x27;t wait — but THC-infused seltzers are letting people enjoy the social rituals they love without sacrificing the vibe (or their macros).</li></ul>

New Belk concept to open in Wesley Chapel

A new take on an old department store is coming to Tampa Bay.

A new take on an old department store is coming to Tampa Bay.Why it matters: The grand opening of the new Belk Market in Wesley Chapel gives local shoppers another option for apparel and home goods.

Shop local at these Tampa Bay holiday markets

They're the antithesis of the headache-inducing scroll that is online shopping.

Things to Do

This gift-shopping season, here&#x27;s a pro tip: Visit a holiday market. Why it matters: Markets offer a chance to shop local, find unique gifts, and revel in the holiday spirit with neighbors.<ul><li>They&#x27;re the antithesis of the headache-inducing scroll that is online shopping. </li></ul>

A new era of growth for East Tampa

Fifth Third Bank's Neighborhood Program has catalyzed $28 million in investment in East Tampa since 2021.

Fifth Third Bank&#x27;s Neighborhood Program has brought more than $28 million of financial impact to East Tampa since 2021 — supporting small businesses, homeowners and neighborhood revitalization.Why it&#x27;s important: East Tampa&#x27;s history includes decades of disinvestment and discriminatory planning, leaving persistent gaps in housing access, business growth and income mobility.

It's hard to be a Millennial homebuyer in Tampa

Prices, rates and a housing shortage are keeping many young shoppers out of the market.

Millennials made up about 42% of mortgage purchase inquiries in the Tampa metro area last year, among the generation&#x27;s lowest shares nationwide.<ul><li>That&#x27;s down from about 46% in 2023, per a LendingTree analysis.</li></ul>Why it matters: High <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="housing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/09/housing-population-growth" data-vars-content-id="59127c63-c798-4400-821d-02d75df8d175" data-vars-headline="It&#x27;s hard to be a Millennial homebuyer in Tampa" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/09/housing-population-growth" target="_self">housing</a> prices, near-6% mortgage rates and a shortage of affordable homes are keeping many <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shoppers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/20/fixer-upper-home-sale" data-vars-content-id="59127c63-c798-4400-821d-02d75df8d175" data-vars-headline="It&#x27;s hard to be a Millennial homebuyer in Tampa" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/20/fixer-upper-home-sale" target="_self">shoppers</a>, especially younger people, out of the market.

These Florida laws go into effect Oct. 1

Among them are AI guardrails and flood risk disclosure requirements for landlords.

When the calendar flips to October, dozens of new laws will take effect.Why it matters: Among them are guardrails for AI, a requirement that landlords disclose flood risks to prospective tenants, and changes to how the criminal justice system treats people with mental illnesses.

Scoop: Blind Tiger takes over Seminole Heights bar

This marks the café's return to the Tampa neighborhood.

The Blind Tiger — crowned by our readers as the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="region&#x27;s best coffee" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/04/15/vote-best-coffee-shop-bracket" data-vars-content-id="d64c4ca8-ae32-4588-84ee-2d690fc6f3a9" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Blind Tiger takes over Seminole Heights bar" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/04/15/vote-best-coffee-shop-bracket" target="_self">region&#x27;s best coffee</a> — has acquired Circa 1949, the Seminole Heights beer garden.Why it matters: This marks the café&#x27;s return to the Tampa neighborhood, after a six-year run that ended in 2022.

What Cycle Brewing's closure says about the craft beer industry

"It's not enough anymore to make good beer."

Once upon a time, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="busloads" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/TheBrewBusTampaBay/posts/pfbid0RWHeNv5nsfQDrMB41DKGkuDyJUcVm88TEP8vFiAkucBsCrn5azAkWfqdoWtEQjYul" data-vars-content-id="bb3619bc-5446-421c-8745-f3184e22de95" data-vars-headline="What Cycle Brewing&#x27;s closure says about the craft beer industry" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/TheBrewBusTampaBay/posts/pfbid0RWHeNv5nsfQDrMB41DKGkuDyJUcVm88TEP8vFiAkucBsCrn5azAkWfqdoWtEQjYul" target="_blank">busloads</a> of beer lovers descended on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cycle Brewing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/05/06/cycle-brewing-st-petersburg-taproom-closing" data-vars-content-id="bb3619bc-5446-421c-8745-f3184e22de95" data-vars-headline="What Cycle Brewing&#x27;s closure says about the craft beer industry" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/05/06/cycle-brewing-st-petersburg-taproom-closing" target="_self">Cycle Brewing</a>&#x27;s annual Barrel-Aged Day to taste brewmaster Doug Dozark&#x27;s latest creation.<ul><li>It was the pre-pandemic heyday of craft beer, when new breweries were popping up everywhere and enthusiasts collected limited releases like trading cards.</li></ul>

Business 🏦

Florida hurricane forecast brings cautious hope for insurance market

Parking already plagues new Rays stadium, report says

Delta's THC-infused seltzers offer a new way to vibe for any occasion

New Belk concept to open in Wesley Chapel

Shop local at these Tampa Bay holiday markets